Jackie Cunningham, Workington Reds physio when they lost their Football League status in 1977, has died aged 83.
Jackie, who hailed from Northside, had lived in Blackburn for many years where he had worked at Rovers.
His best years at Ewood Park were under former manager Howard Kendall.
It was his association with the Blackburn club that led to Reds appointing Mick Heaton as manager.
Kendall’s skipper he later stepped up to the coaching team at Rovers before being recommended to Reds by Jackie.
Rugby Union had been Jack’s sport as a young man and he played for Workington Zebras as a speedy winger.
It was his prowess as an athlete, however, that saw him compete at the famous Powderhall Sprints as well as the round of Lake District sports meetings.
Jackie always maintained an interest in the Reds, whilst based in Blackburn, and at one point came back to the club to serve as caretaker manager when they were struggling in non-League.
Through a number of contacts in the game he recommended players to Reds.
Although he had great affection for the club which gave him his first appointment as club physio, he often recalled the dark days on the 1976-77 season.
Low point was a Fourth Division game at Torquay when three or four players sneaked out of the hotel for a late-night drink, returning in the early hours.
After Reds lost their League place Jack joined Doncaster Rovers under former Sunderland star Stan Anderson and also worked for Bury and Accrington Stanley.
But his best years were at Ewood Park working for Howard Kendall whom he held in high regard.
Jack leaves two sons and two grandchildren who live in the Blackburn area.
